Europe and the South Pacific on sale at Paul Gauguin Cruises

At Paul Gauguin Cruises, small is big. The cruise line distinguishes itself by operating two ships far from the mega-ship crowd.

The company has launched a fare sale on eight sailings to Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands and European destinations, with fares discounted at least $700 per person for those who make a reservation in the next two weeks.

The deal: The 332-passenger Paul Gauguin and the 90-passenger Tere Moana, which joined the lineup last year, offer an intimate experience onboard the ship and off.

With the sale, seven-night cruises to Tahiti start at $3,795 per person, a 14-night cruise to the Marquesas Islands starts at $5,195 per person and seven-night voyages to Europe start at $2,195 per person. Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles is included in the Tahiti and Marquesas Islands trips.

When: The offer is good through March 2.

Tested: The European cruises are the cheapest on this sale. Some examples of discounted fares provided by the cruise line:

--A seven-night voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome leaving April 20 costs $2,195 instead of $2,895 per person.

--A weeklong trip from Rome to Venice, Italy, on May 11 costs $2,695 instead of $3,595 per person.

--A seven-night cruise to Tahiti on May 4 costs $3,795 instead of $4,595 per person.

Info: Paul Gauguin Cruises, (800) 848-6172, or contact a travel agent.

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